G'day all,
It was good to see such a large number of riders at Long Gully for the 1st round of the Victorian state series. What was also fantastic was to see the large numbers of young riders entering the sport, taking full licences and getting out on their bikes. Unsure on numbers for under 15's (about 15), but atleast 30 under 17's took part which is good to see, many of which are riding bloody fast (pushing me to the limit) and are shaping up to do Victoria proud on the national and perhaps international scene, this is the aim.
As many experienced members of the riding community will know, it is very much important to mountain biking and the progressioin of the sport to have riders that can represent Australia, from this type of sporting achievement support from shires, councils and parks is much more apparent and therefore we can have more influence to gain access to more tracks and more government funding. More riders = more success = more tracks = more funding and more opportunities to ride.
Just wishing Nath and Wayno well, I think we should frame the stick that was stuck in Waynes leg and use it for the best crash trophy for the season (Wayne will probably win it anyway)
Thanks to all the organisers for the weekend, Scott Reidy and Steven, Jerry Healy, Dad (Andrew Swann and us), Beck who had a hell of a time in timing, Andrea, Hans and Monica, MC Juzzi, Benny, the busy people down at 1st aid, and all the transport drivers and all that turn up to help build and set up.
And of course the worthy sponsors, 661, Us (Yarra Valley Cycles), Steve Cramers, and Mitsubishi for the sick Triton.
Winner of Elite gets a Triton (haha)
I hope you all enjoyed youself and will all be there for Geelong MTB clubs round 2 at the You Yangs (Drysdales Rd MEL Key Map Pge 11).
Seeya there
Ash